Days numbered for fluoride in Gladstone’s water supply

A TOOTHBRUSH and toothpaste may be the best medicine for maintaining dental health but as of next week those relying on fluoride may be out of luck.

At the next general council meeting, the continuation of adding fluoride to Gladstone’s water supply will be addressed.

A notice of motion will be tabled by councillor Kahn Goodluck and will call upon Gladstone Area Water Board to stop adding fluoride to the drinking water.

The motion will advise GAWB the council “has decided that it no longer wants to continue with the practice of having fluoride added to Council’s drinking water and would like that practice to cease as soon as possible.”

Although mayor Matt Burnett said he would vote to remove fluoride from the water, he believed most people in Gladstone did not worry about whether fluoride was in the water or not.

“I’ve heard both sides and I understand there are groups who are strongly opposed and strongly in favour of removing fluoride,” he said.

“But if [fluoride] is a health issue then it needs to be legislated by Queensland Health.

“I don’t think it should be our responsibility to put fluoride in the water,” he said.

After speaking to a “large number of people” Cr Goodluck said he decided to “grab the bull by its horns” so the council could have the discussion and debate and move on to more important matters.

“I can’t say I’ve spoken to 40,000 people about the issue but the majority of people I’ve communicated with want fluoride removed,” he said.

“At the end of the day people just want water to be water.”

The motion will be presented at the general meeting on Tuesday next week at 9am.

If you wish to provide comment on the issue you can email the council on info@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au